"I knew she was the one the first time I heard her say 'I love you'.  Hearing those words come from her in a way I had never heard them said before struck me in such a profound way.  I had never heard such genuine love spoken before Jessica nor had I seen it.  The way she looked at me I knew right away I had finally found the love of my life." I'm a total crier when it comes to weddings, and during every part of Jessica and Adam's day I found myself tearing up. It didn't matter if it was the bridesmaids watching Jessica get final touches on her makeup or the last dance where Adam and Jessica were enveloped in each other's arms, it all created such a beautiful feeling. My favorite part of the day was getting to watch Adam's face light up as he saw Jessica come through the doors and down the aisle. His nerves had been on overdrive the whole day. I seriously thought for a second that he may pass out in anticipation for the ceremony to begin. It wasn't until Adam saw Jessica come around the corner that relief washed over him and a smile spread across his face. As Jessica walked toward Adam she paused halfway down the aisle so that Adam could meet her and they could take the final steps to the arbor together. Honestly, at that point in the ceremony (which...

The more days with perfect weather we have, the more and more I'm itching to get outside for some of this years engagement sessions. I am so excited for all of the couples that Shawn and I get to photograph, and all this sunshine is making it hard to wait for next month when everything fully kicks into gear. I wanted to do tonight's blog on how Shawn and I prepare for engagement sessions after a few months of not being behind the camera regularly. For future brides and grooms who are reading this: you are not the only ones who get nervous before photos. I'm not going to lie, it can be difficult getting back into the groove, and when I feel an ounce of jitters I become a tongue tied mess, haha. However, after doing this for awhile, I've been able to come up with a process that has knocked out a lot of pre-session butterflies. My steps help me, and whether you are a couple preparing for your own engagement photos or a photographer gearing up for a crazy awesome season, I hope these will be useful! My first step toward calming nerves is always getting to know the clients. Shawn and I meet with our couples, we send them welcome gifts, and I try to be in almost constant communication leading up to the session. The main motivation behind doing all of that is for everyone to feel very comfortable with each other...

If rain on the wedding day is lucky, than a hurricane on your wedding day must give you luck for this lifetime and the next! Rain and wind aside, this beautiful fall wedding took place at Celebrations at the Bay in Pasadena, Maryland. The decor of the wedding was -- fittingly -- nautical with the main color being navy blue and pops of orange showing up in the flowers, centerpieces, and Josh's ring. The storm brewing outside, in a weird way, added an extra layer of excitement to this bayside wedding. Shawn and I had the best time watching everything come together perfectly for these two. They were surrounded by so many great people, and their bridal party was incredibly fun and kept the couples' minds off the weather. The affectionate term for the day became #StillJoaquinDownTheAisle, haha! I loved capturing their day and I'm still blown away by how gorgeous Jaclyn's dress looked, how touching her dance with her dad was, and how much fun Josh had learning the Whip and Nae Nae.   ______________________________________________________________________________ All of the amazing vendors that made this day the best day ever! Ceremony & Reception Venue: Celebrations at the Bay Caterer: Uptown Catering Florist: Rose Squatrito  Makeup: Valerie Hammer Hair: Sally Canterna DJ: Dave from Event Entertainment Dress, Designer: David's Bridal Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse ...

At the beginning of September, Shawn and I shot Kristy and Jonathan's self described "backyard BBQ meets contemporary" wedding and family hangout. Their ceremony took place at the Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church, with their reception happening at the Sassafras Pavilion in Quiet Waters Park. Since their engagement session had taken place in August, I didn't have to wait too long to be in the incredible presence of these two again. Kristy and Jonathan's entire day was accented with the greatest details from some of their favorite things (I love that they ship Luigi and Peach), but bigger than the details: their day was filled with a massive amount of love from their family and friends. I teared up more than a few times at the amount of support and happiness that these two have surrounding them. From Kristy, to other couples preparing to marry their best friend: "Pray more than you worry. Also, plan for the marriage more than you plan for the wedding day. It doesn't matter what the centerpieces look like or how many people didn't RSVP but still showed up.... you're still just as married as anyone else is once you say 'I do!'" I could - and probably will - carry that quote with me for all time :). Congratulations, Kristy and Jonathan! May your life be as wonderful and strong as the love that you have for one another. It was truly a pleasure being a part of your day...

I had been looking forward to Kristy and Jonathan's engagement session since we first started planning it in June. We had some trouble finding a date that worked for everyone, but when we finally were able to meet, it ended up being one of the most beautiful days of the summer. Their session kicked off at St. John's College, which was an amazing location with tons of intimate and romantic spots. From there, we wandered around the streets of Annapolis taking advantage of the gardens and all the cute side streets. Kristy and Jonathan are a really amazing couple. They are so laid back and - as everyone will see - adorable together! They have such fun personalities, which became really apparent when Jonathan changed into a button-up taco shirt. How fantastic is that? Their engagement session got Shawn and I even more pumped for their September wedding. They were discussing some of the details with us during our downtown stroll and I just know it's going to be a wonderful day!   ...

Heather and Tommy's wedding day was absolutely perfect! I had been anticipating their wedding ever since their engagement session last Fall. These two are so sweet together, and when they are wrapped in each other's arms it's as if the rest of the world just fades away. During their ceremony there was a moment when Heather started to tear up and Tommy ever so gently reached over to her and just grabbed her hand. It's in those small actions that you see real genuine love and caring. It was really a beautiful and special moment. I am ecstatic to share Heather and Tommy's photos. Everything was just so wonderfully placed and the reception venue: wow! The Anchor Inn in Pasadena was completely breathtaking; the inside was so light and airy and Heather and Tommy's beach inspired decorations fit amazingly with the space! The decor was also fitting considering Tommy proposed to Heather in Ocean City while walking down the beach (AH! So adorable!). I'm so happy that I was able to be apart of this gorgeous day and I'm really looking forward to showing these two all of their beautiful images! :D Heather and Tommy, thank you so much allowing Shawn and me to capture this very special day! We know your life together will be just as amazing! :)   ______________________________________________________________________________ Even though everyone knows already, thank you Shawn for being my photo sidekick (even though you're THE superhero in my eyes) All of the awesome vendors...

In April, my friend Alexis (who some may remember) asked me about photographing her and her girlfriend, Lili. Unfortunately, we were all extra busy in April and May, but luckily in June we all were able to get together at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis. Quiet Waters has to be one of my favorite spots, since it's so pretty and there are ALWAYS lots of places to shoot at; it seems like new places pop up each time :P. No matter how many times I photograph there, the people I am with always give the area a different kind of energy, which is my favorite part of the photo-taking. Lili and Alexis are so goofy, and filled with so much happiness and love. Even though this was just the second time I was meeting Lili (the first being at Leah and Glenn's wedding), I felt like we had been friends for such a long time - it was a wonderful time and I'm looking forward to sharing their images! :D   So perfect, right? Oh my goodness! :D ...